05/02/2010, 09:07
If there's any justice in this country of ours, the MPs who creamed off their thousands in expenses will be prosecuted and hopefully jailed, but I fear the powers that be will be persuaded to let them off with a wrist slap. Yes they'll have to 'arrange' to pay back their ill-gotten-gains, but will it be immediately? Probably not. Lesser mortals like ourselves, the general public, would be given no lee-way whatsoever. Repayment would have to be immediate and a custodial sentence would ultimately follow. Should these parliamentarians be above the law that they purport to uphold and indeed change through parliament or should they be let off, an 'honest' mistake being the excuse given? As was said in 'Question Time' last night, each and every MP knew what was going on and even if they personally didn't milk the system, they knew that the system was being well and truly abused by others.There is no excuse.By ignoring what was happening the squeeky-clean ones have supported it by their silence.
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04/02/2010, 21:44
Today was one of those to test the flexible nature of our being here.
We originally planned to meet friends in Oban, but had to change direction because of a serious accident near Dunbeg.
We about turned after a quick call and headed for Dalmally only to find that the car couldn't make it up the slippery snow-covered road to the hotel.
Change of direction three took us to Tyndrum where there was easy access for the man on crutches, who was met at the door by a good friend and his wife.
After time to blether-have lunch and coffee, we headed for the shop and I found a bargain in a new pair of boots that will keep me safe on roads and paths to pursue my new-found climbing ambitions.It was great to see how well our friends looked and for 'Him on Crutches' to meet some of his friends so unexpectedly.
Despite a fairly heavy snowfall last night, much of it has now disappeared because of higher temperatures. Maybe I won't get to use my nice new boots, but I doubt it!
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03/02/2010, 06:37
It's amazing how well the world looks through nice new lenses. I got a call from the optician this morning to say that both pairs of my new glasses were ready to be collected. Within half an hour we were off to Oban for a wee bit of a wander to view the scene with clearer vision.
We had a bit of a shop, collected one or two non-essentials, had a lovely coffee in the Caledonian Hotel which also offers free wi-fi, and returned back to base to have a delicious lunch of olive bread cheese and pate.
The sunshine and warmth of the day encouraged Dougal and I to head for the hills. We found a forest track behind Benderloch and considered attempting the full route which on paper was a mile in length. This particular forest path is peppered with viewpoints and appropriately placed seats to encourage time to sit amidst this lovely forest and enjoy its sights and sounds. The first seat was a welcome stop, since it was situated almost at the top of the first very steep incline. From there it was easier walking with an opportunity to gather a couple of walking sticks from the broken branches lining the path. They proved to be very useful for the steeper parts of the descent. Dougal of course needed no assistants. His wee legs ran and ran and ran up and down, in and out, and all over this sniff haven.
It was lovely to stop and listen to birds in the tree tops and see the blueness of an almost cloudless sky above. We met many others walking their dogs and exchanged greetings. A sunny day brings out the best in everyone.
We were both mighty pleased with ourselves when we made it back to our starting point.Dougal had a very necessary wash down to remove some mud, and I had an early evening bath to ease the old muscles and hopefully lessen any after effects. I might be sore tomorrow, but it will be well worth it! Maybe next week we'll try the path to the Eagle's Eyrie!!
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02/02/2010, 10:01
I was listening to John O'Donohue this morning. He has long been a favourite of mine, a writer who sparks the imagination and with a deep Irish accent, is a great pleasure to listen to. The way he uses word is inspirational. His most known writing is a book called 'Anam Cara' which is well worth seeking out.
Sadly he is no longer with us, but his legacy lives on in his writing and in those wonderful taped conversations that allow us the chance to hear his voice express the thoughts of a very centred human being.
His words naturally inspired me to first draw a little, then add some words to the early morning.
Stillness
awaits those who seek it
the sanctity of it
where the soul touches
eternity
and beyond.
To be in it is to be a part of it
apart from
yet within
being more than ever doing can
embracing wholeness
limitless.
A depth that is unfathomable
where light and dark exist together
side by side
harmonious partners
overlapping
merged
one with the other
comfortable
comforting
renewing
there to reawaken
the neglected spirit.
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01/02/2010, 12:33
;)
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